Abstract: A steering apparatus for a steerable vehicle includes a steering unit, an operating unit, a backup unit, and a control unit. The backup unit selectively connects/disconnects the steering unit and the operating unit. The control unit is operable in two control modes including an SBW mode and a PS mode. In the SBW mode, the control unit separates the steering unit from the operating unit; controls a steer angle of the vehicle in accordance with a manual steering effort; and switches the control mode from the SBW mode to the PS mode when an SBW-to-PS mode switch condition is satisfied, the SBW-to-PS mode switch condition including a condition that the steer angle is larger than or equal to a first threshold angle. In the PS mode, the control unit connects the steering unit and the operating unit; controls an assist steering effort to boost the manual steering effort.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering control provides two degrees of freedom with a one-handed operation that is simple and intuitive. The control is achieved with a joystick control movable from side to side (e.g. as in an aircraft) in combination with a yoke control which rotates on an axis (e.g. like the steering wheel of a car). The yoke control (giving one degree of freedom) is mounted to the joystick control, the latter of which adds a second degree of freedom. The steering of both the front and rear wheels of a variety of vehicles may be controlled, including vehicles where the operator rides with the vehicle and, as well, remote controlled vehicles where the operator is situated remote from the vehicle. The latter case contemplates remote controlled steering not only of full scale vehicles designed to move or haul some load but also model vehicles such as radio-controlled model cars and the like.

Abstract: A reaction control system controls a reactive force to be applied to an operating device operated by a driver of a vehicle. The system includes a device for measuring a steering speed of steering of the operating device; a device for measuring a steering torque applied to the operating device; and a reactive force correcting device for correcting the reactive force in a manner such that the corrected reactive force increases at least when the measured steering speed is zero, and that the higher the measured steering torque, the higher the corrected reactive force is. The reactive force correcting device may correct the reactive force in a manner such that the higher a speed of the vehicle, the higher the corrected reactive force is. A non-effectivity range of the steering torque in which the corrected reactive force is not influenced by the steering torque may be defined.

Abstract: A steering system for a straddle carrier includes two side supports with steerable wheels, braces, a hoisting gear, an an upper frame. An operator's cab having a steering wheel is disposed at the upper frame. A servo motor with an inverter is mounted in operative connection with the steering wheel and that operates in four quadrants. The servo motor steers the wheels of the straddle carrier using a steering computer, hydraulic proportional valves, control cylinders, and potentiometers on the side supports.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering input section having at least a steering wheel to which steering input is applied, and a steering output section having at least a steering rack shaft and operatively associated with left and right steered wheels for steering the steered wheels by steering-rack-shaft movement produced by a steering force determined based on the steering input and transmitted directly or indirectly to the steering rack shaft. The steering rack shaft is split into left and right movable rack shaft portions. Also provided is a steer angle converter enabling a differential rack stroke between left and right rack strokes of the left and right movable rack shaft portions. The steer angle converter is constructed by at least one of a variable-pitch dual rack arrangement and a dual taper-pulley arrangement of a cable back-up mechanism.

Abstract: A steering device with a constitution in which an operation unit and steerable wheels are not mechanically connected, has a target turning angle setting device which sets a target turning angle of the steerable wheels according to an operation amount of the operation unit, a turning angle measuring device which measures an actual turning angle of the steerable wheels, and a turning actuator which turns the steerable wheels according to a deviation between the target turning angle and the actual turning angle, wherein, when an operating direction of the operation unit is reversed, the target turning angle setting device sets the target turning angle according to the actual turning angle which is measured by the turning angle measuring device at a time of reversing.

Abstract: A steering control device can shorten a braking distance during straight-traveling deceleration and can efficiently acquire the acceleration performance during straight-traveling acceleration with a simple control while maintaining the stability of a vehicle by steering the wheel on a higher road surface friction coefficient road side with a predetermined steering angle when either one of the straight-traveling braking state and the straight-traveling acceleration state of the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: In an electrical power steering apparatus, steering shaft reaction torque is estimated by a steering shaft reaction torque estimation unit, and a reference road reaction torque is estimated by a reference road reaction torque estimation unit. The estimated steering shaft reaction torque and the reference road reaction torque are weighted, and, in response, a target steering reaction torque is set by a target steering reaction torque generation unit, hysteresis width and slope of the target steering reaction torque are respectively adjusted, and steering feeling is thereby easily improved.

Abstract: A steering device includes a first housing, first and second cables, and first and second sheaths. The first housing includes a first part that supports a rotatable first cable pulley, and a second part that is disposed for relative displacement with respect to the first part. The first cable is at least partially wound on the first cable pulley in a first direction of rotation. The second cable is at least partially wound on the first cable pulley in a second direction of rotation. The first sheath surrounds the first cable and extends between first and second ends, and the first end of the first sheath is coupled to the second part of the first housing. The second sheath surrounds the second cable and extends between first and second ends, and the first end of the second sheath is coupled to the second part of the first housing.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus includes a steering wheel to be operated by a driver, a steering mechanism for turning the front wheels in accordance with an operating torque of the steering wheel, and a clutch for mechanically connecting the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. A clutch engagement command issuing section is provided for issuing an engagement command to the clutch when the clutch is disengaged and a condition for engaging the clutch is satisfied. A clutch engagement determining section is provided for determining that the clutch is in an engaged state when an increase in torque is detected at the steering wheel after the engagement command has been issued to the clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes a steering shaft; a rotation operating member of the steering shaft; an operation-side motor that supplies an operating reaction force to the rotation operating member; a steering member; a steering-side motor that supplies an operating reaction force to the steering member; a steering angle detecting means that detects a steering angle; and a control means, an absolute angle detecting means is provided at the steering shaft, and a motor rotation angle detecting means is provided at a motor shaft of the operation-side motor.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering reaction actuator that produces a steering reaction force to be applied to the manual steering unit, a steering reaction force controller that outputs a steering reaction force command value to the steering reaction force actuator, and a road surface input torque detector that detects a road surface input torque inputted to steerable road wheels from a road surface, wherein the steering reaction force controller includes a low cut-off frequency filter that extracts a low frequency component equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency from an output of the road surface input torque detector and sets the steering reaction force command value on the basis of a vehicle driving condition and an output of the low cut-off frequency filter. A vehicle steering method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steer-by-wire system and a control program therefor which are capable of preventing a steering handle from being turned excessively. According to the steer-by-wire system and the control program, when drive electric current to a steering actuator is restrained to restrict the steering of steerable road wheels, the steering reaction force to the steering handle is increased thereby to make the steering handle hard or unable to turn further. Thus, the steering handle can be prevented from being turned excessively. Further, when the steering actuator is heated beyond a predetermined temperature, such is judged as the overload on the steering actuator thereby to restrain the drive electric current to the steering actuator. Therefore, it can be obviated that the steering actuator is overheated to suffer failure.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system has a steering wheel actuator and a braking device that acts on the steering column. The braking device is activated when the vehicle steering wheel is to be blocked or at least sharply braked, such as when the steering stop is reached or a wheel goes over the edge of a curb. The braking device functions like a switchable freewheel.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering system includes: two or more current detectors that detects current flowing to two or more phases of a motor and outputs detected current values; a correcting unit that corrects the detected current values output from the current detectors to compensate a difference in gain between the current detectors; and a motor driving driver that drives the motor based on a deviation between the target current value and corrected detected current values. When the same current flows to the phase in which the current flowing thereto is detected by the reference current detectors and the phase in which the current flowing is detected by the other current detector, the correcting unit calculates a gain correcting coefficient based on a detected current value of the reference current detector and a detected current value of the other current detector and corrects the detected current value of the other current detector.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels (12,14) includes a connector member (28) which connects a first end portion (70) of the rack (66) with a first steerable vehicle wheel (14). A second end portion (72) of the rack (66) is spaced from the second steerable vehicle wheel (12) and is free of a connection with a member which extends between the second end portion of the rack and the second steerable vehicle wheel. A force transmitting member (32) extends between the steerable vehicle wheels (12,14) and extends through a hydraulic motor (42). Upon rotation of a steering wheel, a valve connected with a pinion gear (62) effects operation of the motor (42) to turn the steerable vehicle wheels (12,14).

Abstract: Steer unit for steer-by-wire comprising angle sensing means (12) for detecting the angular position of a steering wheel (11), processing means (10) connected to the angle sensing means (12) and connectable to a wheel position sensor (22), the wheel position sensor (22) being arranged for providing an output signal representing the position of steered wheels (20) of a vehicle. The processing means (10) are connectable to a steering actuator (21) mechanically coupled to the steered wheels (20), the processing means (10) being arranged for driving the steering actuator (21) dependent on the angular position of the steering wheel (11). The steer unit further comprises friction means (14) for providing a friction force on the steering wheel (11), the friction means (14) being connected to the processing means (10), and the processing means (10) being arranged for driving the friction means (14) in dependence of the wheel position sensor output signal.

Abstract: A vehicle, method and steering system for a vehicle in which the steering system includes a stub axle articulated on a king pin. The king pin is configured to be fixed to an element spring suspension-mounted in the vehicle. The steering system includes at least one power unit fixed to the stub axle, and the power unit transmits a torque to the king pin.

Abstract: A steering device in which a steering wheel which a driver operates and wheels which are steered are not mechanically connected has a target turning angle determination device which determines a target turning angle of the wheels according to an operation amount of the steering wheel, a turning angle sensor which measures an actual turning angle of the wheels, a steering motor which turns the wheels according to a deviation between the target turning angle and the actual turning angle, a target steering reaction force setting section which determines a steering reaction force to be applied to the steering wheel, and a steering reaction force motor which applies the steering reaction force, in which a rate of increase of the steering reaction force is raised when the actual turning angle approaches a maximum turning angle.

Abstract: A steering actor of an independent type steer-by-wire system comprises a housing fixed to a vehicle body and an ultrasonic motor. The ultrasonic motor has a stator internally fixed to the housing and a rotator rotating relative to the stator when an electric current is applied. A steering rod having a first end and a second end penetrates through a center portion of the ultrasonic motor. The first end of the steering rod extends out of the housing for connection to a tie rod. A movement conversion means is operably associated with the steering rod for converting rotating movement of the ultrasonic motor into linear movement of the steering rod.

Abstract: A vehicle operating apparatus which accelerates, decelerates and steers a vehicle in accordance with the operation of the operating lever is provided with a reaction force generating means which generates a reaction force opposing the operating lever, a current sensor which senses failure of the reaction force, and an electric control apparatus which decreases the responsiveness of driving control to the operating lever when a failure is sensed. A steering control apparatus provides driving control equal to that of the state prior to the sensing of a failure when the operating speed of the operating lever at the time of the failure exceeds a prescribed value. Additionally, at the time of detection of a failure, an electric control apparatus reduces vehicle speed by an engine control apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating an end of travel feedback to the driver of a vehicle where the vehicle includes a steer by wire system. The system includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a motor, and a clutch. The steering wheel is configured to control the steer by wire system. The steering shaft is coupled to the steering wheel and rotates in conjunction with the steering wheel. To provide road feel resistance to the driver, the motor is coupled to the steering shaft. Further, the clutch is configured to mechanically couple the steering shaft to the road wheel to provide mechanical resistance when the road wheel is at an end of travel position.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling an electric assist motor in a vehicle steering system during an enablement of an overuse algorithm. Electric power is provided to the electric assist motor of the vehicle steering system via a switching circuit. Temperature of one of at least electric assist motor and power driving circuitry that provides power to the electric assist motor is sensed. A determination is made whether the sensed temperature of the one of at least electric assist motor and power driving circuitry is increasing over a predetermined period of time. The electric power provided to electric assist motor is reduced in response to a lack of increase in said sensed temperature.

Abstract: An electric power steering system comprises a three-phase brushless DC motor, a steering torque detector, a resolver for detecting a resolver rotation angle of the three-phase brushless DC motor, a processing unit and a failure detection apparatus. The processing unit supplies a motor rotation angle and a rotational direction command value to the failure detection apparatus. The failure detection apparatus determines whether the processing unit is normal based on the motor rotation angle and the rotational direction command value.

Abstract: The steering device is constructed by supporting a center portion of a rectangle-plate-shaped operation plate at one end of a supporting shaft projected from the front face of a dashboard so as to freely swing in right and left directions. A steering apparatus for a vehicle having the steering device detects the swing direction and the swing angle of the operation plate with a steering angle sensor provided at a support portion and moves a steering mechanism in the detected direction in accordance with the detected angle so as to steer the vehicle. With this structure, a load in steering can be decreased and tiredness in driving can be reduced. Furthermore, such a steering apparatus can realize a steering device which physically handicapped drivers can operate easily.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system is proposed, having a steering wheel actuator and a braking device that acts on the steering column (3). The braking device is activated when the vehicle steering wheel is to be blocked or at least sharply braked, such as when the steering stop is reached or a wheel goes over the edge of a curb. The braking device functions like a switchable freewheel.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a steer-by-wire vehicle steering apparatus on a vehicle body side, comprising: a housing for rotatably retaining therein one end of a steering shaft of the steering apparatus, while retaining therein an actuator for exerting reactive force in order to impart reactive force in response to turning of an operating member fastened to an other end of the steering shaft that projects from the housing and rotatable together with the steering shaft; and a plurality of mounting portions disposed about a turning axis of the operating member so as to extend diametrically outwardly, the mounting portions fastened at respective fastener portions thereof to a vehicle body side at multiple locations, at least one of the fastener portions of the mounting portions is fastened to the body side via a rubber elastic body so that the housing is elastically supported on the body side.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering apparatus for a vehicle has a first control system including a first ECU, and a second control system including a second ECU. Each ECU responds to manipulation of the steering wheel by a driver, and controls a steering motor. The first ECU determines whether the second control system is malfunctioning, and the second ECU determines whether the first system is malfunctioning. When any of the system is malfunctioning, the ECU of normally functioning system controls a counter force motor such that steering wheel receives a counter force that is different from that when both systems are functioning normally. Accordingly, the steering apparatus is capable of speedily and reliably causing a driver to realize a malfunction in the steering apparatus.

Abstract: A system for initializing a steering wheel in a steer-by-wire vehicle includes a steering wheel, a torque feedback actuator, a steering wheel angle sensor, and a controller. The controller is adapted to calculate a corrected steering wheel angle based upon the relative angular positions of the road wheels and the steering wheel as measured by the respective sensors. The controller then controls the torque feedback generator to rotate the steering wheel into a corrected position such that the torque feedback generator rotates the steering wheel a minimum angle. The controller issues a warning signal in response to any resistance to the correction, including interference from the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A transmission-ratio-varying steering apparatus has a control circuit capable of storing a rotation angle between input and output shafts in a non-volatile memory when the generator outputs a surge voltage. The transmission-ratio-varying steering apparatus includes clamp means provided between a battery and generator on one side and a power-supply circuit on the other side. The clamp means clamps a surge voltage generated by the generator to a third predetermined voltage higher than a first predetermined voltage but lower than a second predetermined voltage. If a surge voltage higher than the second predetermined voltage is generated by the generator, a self-protection function of the power-supply circuit can be prevented from cutting off power being supplied to a microcomputer and an EEPROM.

Abstract: A method for implementing a vehicle stability enhancement (VSE) system for a vehicle is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a handwheel angle input and adjusting the handwheel angle input in response to a variable steering ratio generated in the vehicle. The adjusted handwheel angle input is inputted into a reference model, the reference model thereby outputting one or more desired vehicle handling aspects.

Abstract: A hydraulic power-assisted steering system, in particular for motor vehicles, has a hydraulic pump for generating hydraulic pressure for assisting the steering and an electromagnetic valve, in addition to a motor for driving the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump can be decoupled from the motor by a coupling.

Abstract: A steering device (1) for drive-by-wire functions in a vehicle comprises a base (2) which can be fixed to the vehicle interior at the location of the driver, and two steering grips (3, 4) at opposite sides of the base, which steering grips each can be gripped by a hand of the driver, said steering grips being coupled and being moveable with respect to the base in mutually opposite directions.

Abstract: A fail-safe steering system for a vehicle, which prevents movable elements of a backup mechanism from being dragged by motions of an associated one of a steering input section and a steering output section under normal operating conditions of the system, is provided. The fail-safe steering system includes two selectively engageable clutch mechanisms operatively connectable between the steering input section and the backup mechanism and between the backup mechanism and the steering output section. The fail-safe steering system also includes a mechanism for keeping the backup mechanism in the neutral condition during backup mechanism being mechanically separated under normal operating conditions of the system.

Abstract: The invention capitalizes upon the absence of an engine compartment forward of the passenger compartment in the vehicle body and provides a frontal impact energy dissipation compartment forward of the passenger compartment. The frontal impact energy dissipation compartment is filled with an energy absorption structure, such as an aluminum honeycomb structure. Alternatively, a bulkhead member extends across the vehicle at the forward end of the passenger compartment to enhance structural integrity of the forward end of the vehicle. The bulkhead member may be integrated with air flow systems, cross-car structural support, safety airbags, slidable driver interface, speakers, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system is provided with a primary steering system, a backup steering system and a control system that switches from the primary steering system to the backup steering system when a defect is determined in the primary steering system such as a defeat in a steering reaction force actuator. The vehicle steering system has a pair of clutches that mechanically disconnect the steering wheel from the steerable vehicle wheels in normal situations, and connect them when the steering reaction force actuator is determined to be defective. The control system has a steering malfunction detection section that detects a malfunction in the steering reaction force actuator, and a steering control limiting section that limits the control commands to the steering gear unit actuator from when the steering reaction force actuator is determined to be malfunctioning to when both the clutches are connected.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, using a feedback control including an integral control unit in the feedback path, the integral factor of the integral control unit is made variable depending on the condition of the vehicle, road condition and preference of the vehicle operator so that the intensity of the steering reaction from the tires that is applied to the vehicle operator can be optimally adjusted. Thereby, the steering system can reduce the stead-state deviation and improve the stability in holding a steering angle both without any substantial compromise.

Abstract: A vehicle driver control input device includes a non-rotatable wheel having at least one track. First and second hand grips are movably engaged with the track so that the first and second hand grips are movable along the track to facilitate sending steering signals to a steer-by-wire system of a vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips has an accelerator demand input mechanism to facilitate sending acceleration signals to an energy conversion system of the vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips have a braking demand input mechanism to facilitate sending braking signals to a brake-by-wire system of the vehicle. Alternatively, the wheel and hand grips may rotate with respect to a support post to facilitate generating steering signals.

Abstract: A system for steering a vehicle whereof steering of all the steerable wheels is controlled by an actuator specific thereto, the system having a controller which has at least a normal mode of operation in which, for each steerable wheel, the controller determines a set point for the normal steering angle and a degraded mode activated in the event of failure of a wheel actuator, in which the controller determines a compensating steering set point for a wheel.

Abstract: A steering actuator of an independent type steer-by-wire system comprises a housing fixed to a vehicle body and an ultrasonic motor. The ultrasonic motor has a stator internally fixed to the housing and a rotator rotating relative to the stator when an electric current is applied. A steering rod having a first end and a second end penetrates through a center portion of the ultrasonic motor. The first end of the steering rod extends out of the housing for connection to a tie rod. In one embodiment, a ring gear, planetary gears, sun gear and/or racks formed at the steering rod are operably associated with converting rotating movement of the ultrasonic motor into linear movement of the steering rod. In another embodiment, a rotator ring, a plurality of pinions, worm gears and a plurality of racks formed at the steering rod are operably associated with converting rotating movement of the ultrasonic motor into linear movement of the steering rod.

Abstract: In an electric power steering system, during initial processing after an ignition switch is turned on, when a main CPU completes calculation of an offset voltage, it sends an offset voltage calculation request signal to a sub CPU. When the time from sending the offset voltage calculation request signal until the main CPU receives an offset voltage calculation completion signal from the sub CPU is within a predetermined period of time, it is determined that a communication function between the main CPU and the sub CPU and an offset voltage calculation function of the sub CPU are normal, and at the same time it is possible to maintain synchronism of the offset voltage calculation in the main CPU with the offset voltage calculation in the sub CPU. Thus, it is possible to carry out in a short time a check of the communication function between the main CPU and the sub CPU, while maintaining the synchronism in the offset voltage calculations by the two CPUs when calculating an actual motor current.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering apparatus for a vehicle includes an elastic member couples a reaction force actuator to a steering wheel. With respect to the elastic member, a side closer to the steering wheel is referred to as a primary side, and a side closer to the reaction force actuator is referred to as a secondary side. A steering wheel position detector is located at the secondary side. Therefore, the apparatus is capable of giving a feel of a steering reaction force equivalent to an ordinary mechanically connected steering apparatus to an operator and secures stability of a control system.

Abstract: In the control of an electric power steering apparatus, where so-called lead steering control is performed in which a steering wheel angle signal is output through a lead filter to correct reaction delay of a driver and a vehicle, a delay in control response occurs due to feedback of a road surface reaction force torque. When road surface reaction force torque is fed back to the steering wheel, it is added through a low-pass filter having a time constant equal to a reaction delay time constant of a driver. A sum signal is output through a lead filter to a second motor for controlling a steering shaft.

Abstract: An accelerated vehicle development process includes establishing a common, standardized interface system whereby different types of vehicle bodies may be attached to a single chassis design. Chassis and bodies are designed, manufactured and validated independently of each other in accordance with the standardized interface system, thereby accelerating the development process. As new bodies are designed to mate with the previously manufactured and validated chassis, the newly designed bodies may be developed more quickly in response to market demand and attached to the previously validated chassis.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for a vehicle having steerable road-engaging wheels comprises a rotatable steering wheel (11) and a sensor (12) which senses the rotational position of the steering wheel and generates a first signal corresponding to the sensed rotational position of the steering wheel (11). A first electric motor (14), when energized, resists rotation of the steering wheel (11). A second electric motor (20) is controlled by the signal generated by the sensor for sensing the rotational position of the steering wheel (11). A steering gear (130) is actuated by the second electric motor (20) to turn the steerable wheels of the vehicle. An electrical circuit (19) includes the first and second motors (14 and 20) in series.

Abstract: Independent wheel suspension for motor vehicles comprising: a wheel support (12) with a suspension movement and a steering movement, suspension movement guide devices including a steering element (16), elastic device (34) and shock absorbing devices (16, 26), and a control device (42, 44, 46, 40) of the wheel support steering movement. The wheel support (12) slides along steering element (16), which is slanted with respect to a vertical axis, and the steering movement control device comprises an electric actuator (42) controlled by an electronic control unit (50) arranged to correct the steering movements induced by the suspension movement.

Abstract: A device for operating a vehicle is provided with an operating lever to be operated by a driver, operating position sensors that detect a displacement amount of the operating lever, reaction force generating mechanisms that generate a return force and a reaction force in the operating lever, and a microcomputer that controls the reaction force generating mechanisms. The return force and the reaction force can be controlled independently. Also, the reaction force is generated by the reaction force generating mechanisms after the operating lever has reached an initial position. Further, a torsion spring is provided that retains the operating lever in the initial position when electric power is interrupted.

Abstract: In steering apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a turning section that turns steered road wheels is provided, a clutch is installed in a predetermined position in a midway through a steering system from an operation input section to the steered road wheels to link between the operation input section and the steered road wheels, a steering angle of the operation portion is detected, a turning angle is detected, an elastically deformable member is interposed between the operation portion and the turning portion to transmit a steering torque inputted from the operation input section to the steered road wheels when the clutch causes the operation input portion and the steered road wheels to be connected; and an angular deviation between the steering angle detection value and the turning angle detection value developed due to a deformation of the member is calculated.

Abstract: In the control of an electric power steering apparatus, where so-called lead steering control is performed in which a steering wheel angle signal is output through a lead filter to correct reaction delay of a driver and a vehicle, a delay in control response occurs due to feedback of a road surface reaction force torque. When road surface reaction force torque is fed back to the steering wheel, it is added through a low-pass filter having a time constant equal to a reaction delay time constant of a driver. A sum signal is output through a lead filter to a second motor for controlling a steering shaft.

Abstract: A steering input device for a steer-by-wire system is provided. The input device comprises a first shaft and a hand wheel. The first shaft is rotatably installed in a first housing. The hand wheel is connected to the first shaft such that the hand wheel and the first shaft drive one another. The hand wheel has a range of motion of between about ±45 degrees and about ±90 degrees. The hand wheel also has an outer dimension of about 12 inches. The range of motion and the outer dimension allow the steering input device to be installed in a vehicle in a non-conventional position relative to a twentieth century conventional position including at least one of the hand wheel extending from the first shaft extending along a length defining the vehicle on one of two sides thereof and the hand weel extending rearward in the vehicle farther than an instrument panel.